5 OF THE BEST
FRIES This Friday is National Fry Day and, while it’s almost a crime it’s not a public holiday, Amber Macpherson has the best fries on the Gold Coast to mark the occasion
ZE PICKLE, 37 CONNOR ST, BURLEIGH HEADS.
Nothing gets past Nathan Zukerman, director of Burleigh Heads fried food fiesta Ze Pickle. When told National Fry Day was coming up, this is what he asked: “Is it on a Friday?” (Yes, Nathan, yes it is). Ze Pickle’s Ze Chips are legendary for combining indulgent ingredients with crispy potato cuts and the latest addition to the menu is a spicy affair. “The latest thing we’ve got is the loaded fries with smoked jalepeno and buffalo chicken bites, which are like popcorn chicken bites,” Nathan says. “It’s pretty decadent and we’ve been selling truckloads of that.” Another popular option is the pastrami fries, topped with house-smoked pastrami, mustard mayonnaise and blue cheese sauce. Nathan says he’s seen some pretty tense situations unfold when the fries appear in front of hungry diners. “People are trying to be polite, but they’re going at it hammer and tongs. They really are that more-ish. I say lick the plate if you want.”
LORD OF THE FRIES 8-10 CAVILL AVENUE, SURFERS
Since the eatery opened in Surfers Paradise, locals have been chowing down on the saintly chips that come in four different cuts. Lord of the Fries cofounder Mark Koronczyk says the thick-cut classic is the favourite chip choice, with devourers opting for sauce blends including the Aussie (tomato and vinegar) or poutine (gravy and cheese). “The potatoes are sourced from local Aussie growers and fried with the best oil you can buy, free from chemicals, preservatives and animal products.”
IRON & RESIN GARAGE 6 STEWART RD, CURRUMBIN WATERS
Warning — Iron and Resin Garage’s Mt Warning chips are addictive. Taking inspiration from our natural surrounds, the loaded fries are stacked up like a mountain and come with pulled pork or chilli con carne toppings. “What do people love about them? The taste, they’re good value,” owner Luke Young says. “For $10, we give them a nice big plate. Heaps of people share them.” With the dish based on protein and vegetable (potato), Luke confirms it’s “basically a superfood”.
BROOKLYN DEPOT 4217/10 BEACH RD, SURFERS PARADISE
This New York-inspired haunt offers eaters the option to “Brooklynise” their fries with extra toppings. “If you love fries, then don’t look any further,” general manager Dilly Sibillo says. “Try our Brooklynise fries where you can choose from garbage fries (bacon, onion ring snippets, cheese and frickles), beef chilli cheese fries, and cheese and gravy fries. Brooklyn Depot offers an authentic slice of Brooklyn, where you can sit back and enjoy a few drinks with our signature dishes.”
LUCKY BAO 6/90 MARKERI ST, MERMAID WATERS
When a restaurant’s fries are named after an illicit substance, you know you’re going to be hooked. Lucky Bao’s crack fries put an Asian twist on pomme frites. “We call them crack fries because of their addictive nature,” Lucky Bao owner Emmi Kendall says. “They are made from taro, which is usually sourced from Vietnam or the Philippines. It is similar to a white sweet potato but a lot starchier. We cut them fresh to order and layer them with sriracha, kewpie mayonnaise and fresh shallot. They are extremely popular.”